Author: whatsonni

Host of theatre stars to bring Jimmy Ellis’ childhood story to life at Eastside Arts Festival 

By

One of the highlights of the Eastside Arts Festival (2-12 August) is the premiere of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again, an auto-biographical reflection of the late actor’s family home in east Belfast at 30 Park Avenue during his childhood.

The performance will take place at St Martin’s Church, east Belfast, on 2 & 4th August.

It stars Stuart Graham (The Fall, Hunger) and Fra Fee (Les Miserables, The Ferryman) who will both play Jimmy at different stages of his life and Michael Nevin (My Mother and Other Strangers) who will play Jimmy as an 8-year old child during the war.  Katie Tumelty (Fly me to the Moon, Divorcing Jack) plays Jimmy’s mother Tilly and local musician Clare Galway plays his sister Eileen.  It has been adapted and directed by novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, Glenn Patterson and is produced by Blunt Fringe.

Jimmy Ellis: Home Again combines poetry and live music to recreate and celebrate Jimmy’s family and the characters who informed his own life as well as the lodgers who inhabited the house at Park Avenue during the war years.

Jimmy Ellis has long been held in fond esteem in Northern Ireland, and by everyone who knew and worked with him.

Long-time friend of Jimmy’s Adrian Dunbar sent a message to Jimmy’s widow Robina Ellis saying:
“The great Marlon Brando once said that Nostalgia is the most powerful drug of them all …  I can only imagine the powerful spell the works and voice of Jimmy Ellis will have on those lucky enough to attend Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.”

This project has been supported by Belfast-based engineering firm Arup who have partnered with Blunt Fringe for the last few years to support their programme of work.  Together they have helped to raise almost £25,000 for local charities through an annual charity concert and this year the partnership will help to bring a number of new projects to life including Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.

Claire Murray from Blunt Fringe said:

“We feel very privileged to be working on such a special project, and are very excited about bringing Jimmy’s words to life in this new production with the help of people who knew and admired him. Jimmy paved the way for many actors from Northern Ireland to be recognised in the wider world stage and his own story adds to the narrative of Belfast as an immensely rich artistic hub. We are very grateful to have the support of Arup’s team in Belfast to help us bring this work to this stage”.

Rachel Kennedy, EastSide Arts Festival Director commented:
“We were delighted and thrilled to be working with Blunt Fringe to host this very special rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again. In the unique surroundings of St Martin’s church, audiences will be transported back to the war time era of east Belfast and hear about the characters and music that impacted on a young Jimmy Ellis. We are very privileged to be given this opportunity to show this theatrical work in development and to share it with our audiences.  This is certainly an event not to be missed.”

A rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again is presented as part of the Eastside Arts Festival on 2nd & 4th August 2018 at 8pm. For booking details visit www.eastsidearts.net

 

 

SLIEVE GULLION TAKES CENTRE STAGE ONCE MORE FOR THIS YEAR’S FOOTSTEPS IN THE FOREST

By

ENJOY A MAGICIAL FAMILY DAY OUT AT SLIEVE GULLION THIS WEEKEND.

From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you and your family could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.

The two-day event returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August and whilst online tour tickets are sold out, there are still plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Tour tickets may become available during the day due to “no-shows” from ticket-holders; if you’re interested in going on a tour, please go to the onsite ticketing area and staff there will try to assist. There will be a market featuring local food produce and musicians performing throughout the weekend. Other activities include face painting, balloon modelling, nature mask making, a puppet show and much more.

The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Footsteps in the Forest is supported by Tourism NI. For further information about Footsteps in the Forest and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giantadventures

Offers of the Week!

By

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

Summer Self-Catering, Dovedale Cottage, Co. Down from £500 per stay 

The four-star Dovedale Cottage is located one mile from the town of Banbridge, offering tranquil and peaceful surroundings and spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the Mountains of Mourne.  This self-catering property sleeps up to six people and has charming traditional features such as wood burning stoves in each of the three bedrooms. Offer includes a £50 discount on a seven-night stay, using promotional code JON. To book call 078 0805 8392. Offer available until 28 September 2018, based on summer availability.

 

Fermanagh Lakeland Summer Deal, The Garden House Self-Catering Cottage, Co. Fermanagh from £375 per stay

This three-star, self-catering property sleeps up to six people and is based three miles outside Enniskillen. The property is set in a quiet, rural area of Fermanagh’s Lakeland at the edge of Riversdale Forest, alongside the beautiful Ballycassidy River, making it perfect for enjoying the abundance of wildlife, a number of walking trails and some fishing. Offer includes a discounted rate for a seven-night stay with promotional code den123. To book call 077 4529 3595. Offer available until 1 September 2018.

 

Causeway Coastal Route, 2 nights B&B and One Dinner, The Adelphi Portrush, Co. Antrim from £99 per person sharing

The Adelphi Portrush features 28 individually designed en-suite rooms and suites with a sauna, spa and in-house treatments available to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Centrally located in Portrush, this four-star hotel is an ideal base for exploring the town and surrounding Causeway Coast. Offer includes two nights B&B accommodation and one three-course evening meal. To book call 028 7082 5544. Offer available until 19 April 2019.

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

By

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (30 July – 5 August)

 

  1. Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of activities from workshops to social events and much more, with the main parade held on Saturday 4 August.
  2. The Wickerman Gathering 2018, Armagh, 4 August.  As the Celts celebrate the festival of Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the harvest season, join the clan in their preparations for the ceremonial burning of the 30ft Wickerman. Music, dancing and face painting will all be available at this event alongside the great ceremony of burning the Wickerman.
  3. Ulster Military Vehicle Club Show, Portrush, 4 – 5 August.  This annual event gives the public the opportunity to see up close a range of historic military vehicles. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. There will be re-enactments and display stalls alongside the exhibition.
  4. Teddy Bears Picnic, Falls Park, Belfast, 5 August.  The Teddy Bears Picnic will have arts and crafts, a petting farm, graffiti wall art and a few other surprises. Bring along a picnic, a blanket, your teddy and its owner. There will also be a competition for the best dressed teddy bear and owner.
  5. Hog ‘n’ Bog Weekend 2018, Newcastle, 3 – 5 August. The Hog “n” Bog weekend will see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorbike fans descend on Newcastle, Co. Down, for the chance to ride-out through the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains. This year’s event will be based at the Burrendale Hotel and will feature a custom bike show, live music and much more.
  6. Improv Comedy Festival, Belfast, 4 – 5 August. Improv acts from as far afield as Shanghai and as close to home as Dublin will be performing their unique form of comedy over the course of five evenings at the Accidental Theatre.
  7. Kite Festival, Castlerock, 4 – 5 August. This high-flying spectacle offers fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes take to the skies over the iconic coastal estate of Downhill Demesne. There will be award-winning kite displays, stunt kite teams, and other kite related activities, all of which will make this a weekend not to miss.
  8. Foyle Cycling Club 3 Day Race, Derry~Londonderry, 3 – 5 August. The FCC 3 Day Race is an event designed for A1, A2, A3 and junior male riders and A1, A2 and A3 female riders with the aim to be one of the best cycling events of its kind. Over the course of the weekend the race will see some of the best riders compete on some of the hardest roads in the North West.
  9. Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Belfast, 3 August. Ulster Rugby’s Fun Day lets fans meet and greet members of the 2018/19 playing squad. Activities available on the day include rugby skills and tag sessions, a bouncy castle, meet and greets, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and much more.
  10. Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 4 August. A day of high quality motorsport entertainment, attracting top drivers and co-drivers. Visitors can experience high speed, high octane and an ultimately exhilarating event, making for a fantastic day out for all the family.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

First ever Tafelta Festival this August!

By

The first ever Tafelta Festival, the ancient name for Magherafelt, will take place in the town centre next month.

The 2-day music and entertainment event will take place in Magherafelt from 10-12 of August.

The event, which has been organised by Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Magherafelt Town Centre Forum and local hospitality businesses, will see a selection of free family friendly entertainment in the town accompanied by entertainment in hospitality businesses throughout the weekend.

The idea for the festival came from the hospitality trade in the town following the success of last year’s Magherafelt Christmas Market.

From Monday 6 – Friday 10 August, an Orchestra of Change Makers Project will take place from 11am – 3pm at the Bridewell where young people aged 11 – 18 can get involved in performing, producing, choreographing etc a musical piece that will then be showcased in the Bridewell on Saturday 11 August at 2pm. The project is being facilitated by Beyond Skin and delivered by experienced tutors Raphael Frank and Nikolas Petsakos.

Anyone interested in taking part should email info.beyondskin@gmail.com.

On Saturday 11 August free family entertainment will take place in the town centre from 12pm – 4pm including face painting, balloon modelling, street entertainment (including HipOps and Queen B and Honey B), and a street art workshop where children can experiment with graffiti and chalk art.

Drop in arts and craft workshops will also take place during the same time in Bank of Ireland.

Sunday 12 August will see a host of family entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and special walkabouts by singing chefs circus jesters, take place at Meadowlane Shopping Centre from 1pm – 5pm.

Hospitality businesses taking part in the festival include: Mary’s Bar, Dorman’s Bar, Slims Healthy Kitchen, The Coachman, The Terrace, Ground, Brysons, The Flax, The Step Inn, Market Tavern and Meadowlane Shopping Centre.

A host of entertainment and promotions will take place in the establishments over the duration of the festival including musical and dance performances, a Farmer’s Market and special food and drink promotions.

For more information on the Tafelta Festival go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/Tafelta.

Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne bigger and better

By

Speciality Food Fair will return to Moira Demesne on Saturday 18th August for its fourth year with a focus on local artisan food with sustainability and preservation of food a key focus for 2018.

 

The Food Fair has grown in popularity among traders and consumers alike as a key date in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s summer events calendar. This year’s event will benefit from additional funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, with new features added to the event programme.

Popular features from previous years will be retained, with an extended artisan food hall, chef demos, café bar, street food and picnic village. This year an ‘edutainment’ element will be added to the line-up featuring expert talks, workshops and masterclasses for both adults and children.

Reflecting on the popularity of the Speciality Food Fair, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee said, “We are delighted to welcome the return of the Speciality Food Fair to Moira for its fourth year. We are very pleased with the growing interest in the event from award-winning producers based within the Council area and further afield. Produce will be on offer to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, so we hope to see many local visitors as well as foodies from across Northern Ireland celebrate the top-notch producers and products against the stunning backdrop of Moira Demesne.”

Producers from varying artisan backgrounds will take part including Abernethy Butter, Ke Nako Biltong, Krazi Baker, Harnett’s Oils, Burren Balsamics, The StillHouse Moira, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Bara Bakehouse, Ispini Charcuterie and Ballyriff Buffalo among many others.

Head of DAERA’s Regional Food Programme, Louise Millsopp said, “I am delighted that the Department is providing support to the Council’s Speciality Food Fair through the Regional Food Programme this year. The event will be a fantastic showcase of Northern Ireland’s local, award-winning, agri-food industry highlighting the quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that exists across the food and drink sectors. I’m sure it will be a really enjoyable day with something to suit all the avid foodie enthusiasts among us.”

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Food Fair

Set amongst the lush backdrop of Moira Demesne’s stunning parkland, guests will enjoy plenty of opportunities to indulge their interests, whether it is chatting to producers or going along to the chef demos in the Kitchen Sessions, or to one of the expert talks. There will be plenty of options also to enjoy speciality treats al fresco, whilst relishing in live entertainment from local musicians.

As always, the street food village and picnic area will be a primary outdoor feature at the Food Fair with an even greater choice on offer, reflecting Northern Ireland’s burgeoning gourmet street food scene. Guests are encouraged to get acquainted with emerging faces on Northern Ireland’s gourmet street food scene, including Dickie D’s Grilled Cheese, Fionnbobs Food Wagon, Burger Republic, The Hatch as well as more established names such as Pheasantshill Farm.

Plenty to quench guests’ thirsts

The Café Bar will also return, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suitable for all ages, with local apple juice, cordials, craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Speciality coffees for those in need of a caffeine fix will be served up alongside teas and hot chocolate. The StillHouse will up the ante in the café bar, bringing a taste of what is on offer in their newly created Distillery Bar located a stone’s throw away in Moira village.

Fun for the whole family with children’s workshops and Kitchen Sessions

The popular Kitchen Sessions will return to this year’s Speciality Food Fair in addition to fringe events featuring leading chefs and experts. Award winning Moira chefs, Chris McGowan of Wine & Brine, Danni Barry of Clenaghans Restaurant and Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School will lead the charge with Chris focusing on a modern twist to traditional food preserving, Danni giving a workshop on foraging and incorporating your finds into your home cooking and Stephen offering a skills masterclass in addition to cooking a dish from his new cookbook.

‘Edutainment’ will once again be the key focus for all interactive family fun activities, encouraging kids to learn about the natural world around them and to get involved in planting their own food. Interactive activities will include bug hotel making, observational beehives, beeswax wrap making, all as 30-minute workshops running from 10am-3pm. For a full schedule go to the Visit Lisburn Castlereagh website.

Entry and parking to the Speciality Food Fair is free and will run from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 18th August. Access for disabled visitors is provided.

For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook.com/enjoylisburn, Twitter @VisitLisburn and Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Down

This month sees the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park. From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centred activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more. The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Armagh

Lúnasa Festival 2018 – Lúnasa… Bringing it on! takes place on July 28, 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Meigh.  Lúnasa is one of the four great days in the Celtic wheel of the year. It traditionally  announced the beginning of the grain harvest, was recognised as a time for matchmaking and marks the sun’s progress around our planet. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts, skills or ideas you need to harvest and bring forth over the coming season. Facilitated by Janet O’Hagan.

Fermanagh

Asda Enniskillen is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need in store this Saturday 28th July.. There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.

Tyrone

Dergfest Music Festival is back for its fifth year this weekend from 27th to 29th July. This year’s line-up includes Mark McCabe, Darude, Teddy Cream, Niamh McGlinchey, Jim Devine, Derek Ryan, Rough Justice, Mundy and the Logues. Full details at dergfest.co.uk.

Derry

Frock Around The Clock will be taking The Great Summer Holiday Fair to the wonderful seaside location of Portstewart for the first time on Sunday 29th July. This event will feature 20 stalls of beautiful artisan crafts, vintage & antique items, holistic therapies and much more, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, art and photography, health and beauty, artisan food, & much more besides. Town Hall, The Crescent, Portstewart. Admission is  £2 and children go free.

Antrim

Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28th July at Shanes Castle, Antrim, from 9.00am – 5.00pm.  Take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s bets known regional agricultural shows and its beautiful location on the shore of Lough Neagh.  From cookery demonstrations by Paula McIntyre in the Festival of Food marquee, to livestock, sheep shearing and horse jumping competitions there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused. There’s also a dog agility display, a children’s pet show, a petting zoo, Young Farmers Games, Irish dancing, live music and a jiving competition to be found among craft stalls, family entertainment, and Home Industries and Horticulture exhibits.  Admission is £10 per person, where accompanied children under 16 years of age go free. Car parking is also FREE. Admission is payable at the gate, and discounted early bird tickets can be purchased online for £9 until Wednesday 25th July. Further show information available at www.randoxantrimshow.com.

Belfast

On Saturday 28th July, Belfast Zoo will go ‘quiet’. Belfast Zoo’s quiet hours allow visitors on the autism spectrum, their family and friends to enter the zoo an hour early at 9am. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the zoo for an hour before it opens to the general public. Normal admission prices apply. You can book online in advance or can purchase your ticket on arrival.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Mary Coughlan in concert at Flowerfield Arts Centre

By

Arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, Mary Coughlan will perform at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Friday 27th July.

Described as ‘Ireland’s Billie Holiday’ Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcohol and drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. Her wonderful whisky-blurred, smoke-seared voice is full of husky notes, laconic wit, bitter-sweet defiance and despair. Mary is equally at home with the songs of Cole Porter or Jagger and Richards.

The artist has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and has a legion of fans worldwide. Since her first album ‘Tired and Emotional’ rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985, her ability to deeply connect with both the song and audience remains undiminished, a testament to her inner strength and to the power of transformation & redemption.

Her live performances ‘have to be seen to be believed’ as described by British music journalism website NME.

Don’t miss this truly exciting ‘one night only’ performance at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart.

Tickets are available by calling 028 7083 1400 or at www.eventbrite.com and www.flowerfield.org

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

By

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

Spring Family Titanic Offer, Crowne Plaza, Belfast from £151 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing

Enjoy a “Titanic” family break at the four-star Crowne Plaza Belfast. This modern hotel is situated in the picturesque surroundings of Lagan Valley Regional Park and is just 10 minutes’ drive from Belfast’s thriving city centre, making it the perfect location for a family adventure.  Offer includes an overnight B&B stay in a family room and family ticket to the world’s leading tourist attraction, Titanic Belfast.  To book call 028 9092 3500. Offer available until 30 September 2018.

 

Time Together, Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Co. Londonderry from £115 per person sharing

The ideally located four-star Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel is less than five minutes’ drive from the centre of the historic walled city of Derry ~ Londonderry. Enjoy the perfect combination of sight-seeing and leisure time with that someone special. Build up an appetite as you walk along the city walls, then relax with some lunch and shopping in the city centre. Offer includes an overnight B&B stay and a romantic four-course evening meal with a bottle of wine in the hotel’s 68 Clooney Restaurant. To book call 028 7186 0606. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

 

Summer Spa Package, Mellon Country Inn Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £120 per person sharing

The three-star Mellon Country Inn Hotel is nestled at the feet of the spectacular Sperrin Mountains, between Omagh and Strabane. Here you will find the heart of Tyrone’s most popular spot for leisure activities such as walking, cycling, fishing and golf, making it the perfect location to slow down and relax. Offer includes an overnight B&B stay with a welcome platter on arrival, use of a private hot tub and a full body lava shell massage and three-course evening meal with complimentary bottle of wine. To book call 028 8166 1224. Offer available until 30 September 2018.

 

SKIFFIE FESTIVAL READY TO ROW INTO STRANGFORD LOUGH FOR THIRD YEAR

By

This July will see the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park.

From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centered activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more.

The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Around 20 races take place across the weekend, with teams competing from across the island of Ireland and Scotland.

Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council said: “The Skiffie Festival is a highlight of the Giant Adventures programme. The breath-taking setting of Strangford Lough and picturesque nature of Delamont Country Park presents the ideal location for this wonderful competitive racing and family fun festival. Following the excitement of the Skiffie World Championships in 2016 and last year’s successful Skiffie Festival, we are delighted to host this thrilling weekend, once again.’’

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages at Delamont Country Park. For further information about the Skiffie Festival and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.